Your How Short Video Empowers Sexual Minority Groups: A Case Study of the TikTok Platform

Abstract

This study investigates the empowering effects of short video platforms, particularly TikTok, on sexual minority groups within the cyberspace realm. Through a questionnaire survey, we explore the platform’s role in enhancing visibility, self-expression, and community building for sexual minorities. Our findings reveal that TikTok, with its expansive reach and interactive features, serves as a potent tool for awareness, understanding, and identity formation among these groups. The platform’s algorithmic recommendations and user engagement mechanisms significantly contribute to the dissemination of diverse sexual minority narratives, fostering a broader societal understanding and acceptance. However, challenges such as cyber violence, privacy concerns, and content filtering algorithms necessitate a collaborative approach to harness the full potential of these platforms for empowerment. This research contributes to the discourse on media’s role in social change, offering insights for platform policies, content creators, and societal stakeholders to collectively advance the rights and well-being of sexual minorities in a digital age.